Double-digit growth in June boosted by consumer demand
Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach saw double-digit growth in June, running just ahead of last year’s record-setting pace halfway into 2026, Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced Tuesday during his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing.
Dockworkers and terminal operators processed 779,331 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, up 10.6% from June 2026, marking the Port’s third-busiest June on record.
Imports increased 11% to 387,025 TEUs, exports were down 1.3% to 86,446 TEUs and empty containers moving through the Port were up 14.1% to 305,860 TEUs.
Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 4,829,578 TEUs, up 1.7% compared to the first half of 2025, just ahead of the Port’s busiest year on record.
“These results demonstrate the continued confidence cargo owners and supply chain partners have in us, the resilience of the supply chain and the continued demand for goods moving through our gateway,” Hacegaba said. “Businesses across the shipping and logistics industry continue planning for a range of scenarios as they work to build more resilient and diversified supply chains.”
“Our skilled labor workforce and terminal operators are delivering top-notch customer service by promptly processing cargo during the busy summer shipping season,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Over the long term, we’re continuing to invest in infrastructure projects to keep us as a competitive gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”
The media briefing included a “Halftime Report” highlighting a series of achievements during Hacegaba’s first six months as CEO, including:
- Attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Hacegaba strengthened the Port’s position as one of America’s most trusted gateways for trans-Pacific trade
- Launching CargoNav, an innovative digital platform that offers cargo owners, truck drivers and other supply chain partners real-time cargo information
- Opening the Cyber Defense Operations Center to strengthen the Port’s ability to detect and defend against cyber threats
- Progressing on capital improvement projects that will help build the Port of the Future, including the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, aimed at enhancing rail capacity for the San Pedro Bay ports complex
- Investing in zero-emissions cargo handling equipment through funds from the state’s historic Port and Freight Infrastructure Program and establishing the world’s first port-powered green truck corridors
With the automatic repeal of temporary 10% tariffs scheduled for July 24, Hacegaba said shippers are moving cargo ahead of further trade policy changes, triggering an early peak season and a summertime surge in trade.
“Businesses are preparing for volatility, not certainty,” Hacegaba said. “Retailers are intent on restocking shelves while keeping prices as low as possible, helping to drive the frontloading we’re seeing right now.”
